Man charged over murder

A man who was murdered in East Dulwich has been described as a “family man” who was just on his way home.

Dennis Anderson, 39, from Lewisham, was stabbed to death after an altercation with another man outside a newsagents at the Lordship Lane junction with East Dulwich Grove in the early hours of Saturday, February 9.

It has been reported the fight broke out over a cigarette.

Flowers have been left at the scene of the murder, with many people who knew him visiting to pay their condolences.

A friend of Mr Anderson at the scene, said: “He was a family man, he was just stopping by to get a drink on his way home.”

Muhammed Khan was working in the shop at the time of the attack and has been too scared to return to work. A colleague of Mr Khan’s, who did not want to be named, said: “He was here but he has gone away because he is too scared to come to work, he won’t be back for another two weeks.”

Police confirmed on Thursday that they are bringing murder charges against Jahmel Micheal Riley, 24, of Lordship Lane, as well as for possession of an offensive weapon.

Detective Inspector Domenica Catino, from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: “Although we have made an arrest, we still need to hear from anyone that may have been in the area on Sunday morning.

“Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could really help our investigation. We are aware of speculation around the motive for this attack and can now confirm that the suspect approached Mr Anderson in an off-licence shop before an altercation broke out and the suspect delivered a fatal attack.

“Our top priorities now are to support Mr Anderson’s family.”

Helen Hayes, MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, said: “Appalled to learn of a fatal stabbing on Lordship Lane. Another family now devastated due to knife crime. This has to stop.”

Another woman who asked not to be named told the Evening Standard: “He used to party in the pubs in Lordship Lane. He was best friends with a load of boys who still live around here and all went to primary school together.”

Luke Roche, 29, from Dulwich, told the Evening Standard: “Dennis had been at a friend’s birthday party and must have been coming home.”

Anyone with information is requested to call police in the incident room on 020 8721 4961. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or tweet police via @MetCC.